Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced that the surveillance aircraft procured by his administration have arrived in Nigeria and are currently stationed at a Nigerian Air Force facility in Lagos. The aircraft are undergoing assembly before deployment to enhance security operations in the state.
Speaking to journalists at the Government House in Ibadan, Makinde provided updates following recent bandit attacks on three schools in Ahoro-Esinele, Oriire local government area. He confirmed that the surveillance aircraft are being assembled at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos, with the manufacturer from China arriving in the country three days ago. The assembly process is expected to take about two weeks, and the aircraft should be operational on or before the end of June.
Makinde stated, “The surveillance aircraft have arrived in the country. As of today, they are at the Nigerian Air Force hangar in Lagos, where they are being assembled. The manufacturer from China arrived in the country about three days ago. They should have about two weeks to finish their work. I can say conclusively that those surveillance aircraft should be in operation on or before the end of June.”
He added that the aircraft will cover the border between Oyo and Kwara States, as well as the international border between Oyo State and the Republic of Benin. The governor also provided details on the school attacks, confirming that seven students were abducted from Community Secondary School, while 18 children and seven teachers were taken from First Baptist Primary and Nursery School. Tragically, one person was killed during the incidents.
Makinde concluded by expressing confidence that the surveillance aircraft will significantly bolster security efforts in the state.
